Plymouth Airport Admin Building Dedicated to Longtime Commissioner Walter Morrison

PLYMOUTH – The late Walter Morrison was never a pilot, but his passion for Plymouth Municipal Airport knew no bounds.

A local businessman, Morrison recognized early on the important role an airport could have in a town like Plymouth. And in his nearly four decades as a member (and usually the chairman) of the Plymouth Municipal Airport Commission, he worked tirelessly to ensure its growth and prosperity.

In the 1970s, Morrison led the push to purchase 275 acres that would serve as a buffer between the airport and expanding residential neighborhoods. A Plymouth Town Meeting representative of 45 years, he also championed the creation of airport zoning that protected the airport from being surrounded by houses.

As chairman of the commission, Morrison oversaw two airport runway extensions and the installation of a precision instrument approach system that helps pilots make their way home. And under Morrison's watch, the tax base of the airport more than doubled.

"Walter loved his family, he loved the town of Plymouth and he really loved this airport," Airport Commission Chairman Ken Fosdick said Friday during ceremonies dedicating the airport's new administration building in Morrison's memory.

The new administration building, built with 95 percent state funding, replaces an older headquarters building that was deemed too close to the airport's runways for federal safety regulations. The new building opened earlier this fall. The project will be complete when the old administration building is demolished, as soon as this week.

Airport Manager Tom Maher said it is only fitting that the building should honor Morrison, who served as a commissioner for 38 years.

"During those years, he played a very critical part in reference to what the airport had been able to become. We're considered a nice general aviation airport, fairly busy, and a lot of it is because the airport commission set the tone for how the airport is going to function," Maher said. "Starting in 1976, he thought it was very important that airport be positioned properly for the future and have the critical mass of activities on the airport to ensure our future."

"Walter had vision and recognized early on what a first-class municipal airport could do for the town," Select Board Chairman Ken Tavares said. "Walter was a gentleman and a true son of Plymouth. He worked tirelessly to make this town better than he found it."

The dedication ceremonies included re-lighting the airport's World War II-era beacon, which was moved from the old building and now sits atop its own tower. The green and white signal is a welcome beacon for pilots making their way home to Plymouth at night.

Tavares thanked the Baker Administration for partnering with the town on the new administration building, saying it will be a welcoming addition to the town.

"The Pilgrims of 1620 arrived by the good ship Mayflower," he said. "The pilgrims of 2020 have more choices, and this airport is now one of them."

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